Child marriages on the rise in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: Child marriages are on the rise in Srikakulam every year. Lack of awareness among parents over health of girls and social conditions, financial backwardness are prime reasons for these marriages. In a span of six years, 701 child marriages cases registered from 2012 to 2017 in the district.

In 2016, 164 cases registered and 114 cases in 2015, 122 cases in 2014 and 99 cases reported in 2013. In April this year, a total of 15 complaints registered on child marriages. As per law completion of 18 years age for female and 21 years for male is essential for marriage.

“Marriage before 18 years of age may lead to health problems mainly in females like anemia, death of mother or baby and immaturity may lead to disputes among couple,” District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) Dr Sanapala Tirupati Rao told The Hans India.

For prevention of child marriages district collector, integrated child development society (ICDS) officials, integrated child protection scheme (ICPS) staff, revenue officials, education department, Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan (SSA) and police are making efforts and creating awareness on it. In addition to it voluntary organisations are also playing key role in preventing this social evil.

“We are conducting awareness camps in rural and agency areas to create awareness among parents on negative impacts of child marriages,” childline coordinator, M Simhachalam told to The Hans India. One can call to childline toll free number 1098 on child marriages and the complainants are kept in confidential, he added.

“We are educating parents to prevent child marriages and conducting awareness among people along with other departments,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr C M Trivikrama Varma told this newspaper.